At the request of Congressman Dave Loebsack, Sen. Tom Harkin and Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Courts Executive Committee announced today that the Cedar Rapids Courthouse has moved up on the priority list of courthouses that will receive federal funding for construction of new facilities.

"The need for a new courthouse facility in Cedar Rapids has been a priority in the community for many years, and with the recent flooding, this need has grown exponentially," said Loebsack. "Because the flood waters caused extensive damage to the already strained facility, I joined efforts with Sens. Harkin and Grassley in urging the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to move the Cedar Rapids Courthouse to the top of the construction priority list.

"I am please the U.S. Courts Executive Committee heeded our call and unanimously agreed to give the Cedar Rapids Courthouse priority status. A new courthouse is critical in the rebuilding of downtown, and I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues, federal officials and local leaders to secure the funding necessary for a full recovery."